Flying the W in the desert

Sadly, my beloved Chicago Cubs have struggled a bit ever since the All-Star Break. There have been some wonderful moments, but injuries have taken their toll. Hopefully the recent trades and the players being brought up from the minors will help get them through the doldrums.

On the positive side, I have discovered that I am not alone here in my devotion to the way of the pinstripe. Off duty I wear my bright blue cap with pride and am occasionally rewarded with a “Go Cubs.” That usually starts a fun conversation and it has surprised me to see just how many Chicago fans are scattered throughout the nation. Military life is particularly transient, so baseball loyalties are not nearly as geographically restricted as they are in the civilian world.

Another fun discovery is learning how many games are carried on the Armed Forces Network. With the time zone difference these games often are played during breakfast on our side of the world. The base DFAC (dining facility) will never be confused with a sports bar, but there is a certain joy in hearing several people scattered all across the room quietly cheering on Anthony Rizzo’s most recent home run.

OPSEC/Air Force disclaimers:

While sharing some particular moments from my government sponsored camping trip, I need to mention a concept that the Air Force refers to as OPSEC, or operational security. Essentially, it is a modern way of saying “loose lips sink ships.” Travel dates, my location, and the details of what I am doing are all going to remain unsaid in this forum and on social media. Instead, I am going to occasionally share generalized “day in the life of a chaplain” posts that are produced in conversation with our unit’s public affairs folks. Please understand if there are certain questions or topics that I refrain from discussing in this particular setting.

This blog is produced on my own time using personal equipment. No Air Force or DOD endorsement is implied.

Niece and nephew disclaimer:

Two of my nieces and nephews are old enough to understand the meaning of deployment. On the other hand, four of my nieces and nephews are still young enough that what I am doing is hard to comprehend. One of my goals with these posts is to give them a better understanding of the experience, but to do so in a way that is age and OPSEC appropriate. Many of my posts will include pictures of stuffed animals, pets, and their favorite action figures. This approach is by no means meant to downplay the seriousness of the job that our Airmen are doing. It is intended to help four particular young people understand why their uncle has disappeared for a while, and to give them a sense of what I, and the people with whom I serve, are up to.